Ondo man arraigned over alleged takeover of late father’s estate

By Boye Oyeyemi

A 50-year-old man, Folorunso Bello, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly taking over his late father’s estate in defiance of a court judgement directing that the properties be shared equally among the deceased’s seven children.

Bello is facing three charges bordering on disturbance of public peace, unlawful possession of family property and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace over the disputed inheritance.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences were committed on March 5, 2023, at about 10.30 am along Iwoye-Ondo Road in Akure, where the defendant allegedly chased Akinlolu Janet and another family member away from the disputed properties.

The charge further alleged that Bello took control of the family estate in disregard of an earlier judgement in suit number AK/CC/78/2020, which reportedly ordered that the properties be distributed equally among the seven beneficiaries.

Furthermore, the prosecution accused the defendant of preventing Janet and other family members from accessing the estate and taking their respective shares, warning that his alleged actions could trigger a breakdown of law and order.

The three-count charge was brought under Sections 86, 133(8) and 81 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

When the case came up on October 29, 2026, the prosecutor, ASP A. Jejeniwa, requested an adjournment to enable the prosecution to prepare for trial, a request that was not opposed by defence counsel, L.K. Dare, who, however, urged the court to admit his client to bail on the grounds that the offences were bailable.

Consequently, the presiding magistrate, T.O. Lebi, granted Bello bail in the sum of N500,000, with two reliable sureties, and directed him to provide a valid means of identification, before adjourning the case until November 27, 2026, for further hearing.